Soldiers' performance and well-being can be negatively affected by unmet relational needs, particularly when they have to suppress them due to their military role. This article discusses how these needs may impact their performance, emotional regulation, social support, and personal resilience. It also provides practical strategies for supporting soldiers' relational needs without compromising mission requirements.
Performance:
Unmet relational needs can affect soldiers' motivation, focus, concentration, and efficiency.
Feelings of loneliness or isolation may reduce soldiers' ability to perform tasks effectively. They may become easily distracted or fatigued during training or combat operations. Suppressing these needs can lead to decreased morale, increased errors, and negative attitudes towards their colleagues and superiors.
Emotional Regulation:
Suppressed relational needs can increase stress and anxiety levels, leading to poor mental health outcomes such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. Soldiers who feel alone or socially isolated are more likely to engage in risky behaviours that harm themselves or others. These behaviours include self-harm, suicide attempts, and aggressive behaviour.
Social Support:
Suppressing relational needs can prevent soldiers from forming meaningful connections with fellow soldiers and family members. This can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, which can worsen over time. Without strong social networks, soldiers may struggle to cope with difficult situations and develop coping skills. They may also experience a sense of worthlessness, hopelessness, and shame.
Personal Resilience:
Relational needs play an important role in building personal resilience. When soldiers have strong relationships with loved ones, they are better equipped to handle challenges and recover from setbacks.
When these needs are suppressed, they may struggle to adapt to changing circumstances and remain resilient. This can affect their overall well-being, including physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
Strategies for Supporting Relational Needs:
Soldiers' relational needs should be acknowledged, validated, and supported without compromising mission requirements. Leaders can encourage soldiers to communicate openly about their needs and provide opportunities for them to connect with others. Units can offer regular meetings, group activities, and mentorship programs to build social support. Family members can stay connected through frequent phone calls, video chats, and visits. Organizations can prioritize mental health services and create safe spaces for soldiers to seek help.
Unmet relational needs can negatively impact soldiers' performance, emotional regulation, social support, and personal resilience. It is essential to recognize and address these needs to improve soldiers' well-being and ensure that they can successfully complete their missions. By providing practical strategies for supporting relational needs, organizations can promote positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
What are the psychological consequences of suppressed relational needs on soldiers' performance and well-being?
One of the major psychological effects of suppressed relational needs among soldiers is increased levels of stress and anxiety that may lead to negative outcomes such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts. This can be attributed to the lack of social support networks during deployment, which is vital for mental health and overall well-being.